Help picking my first fishing kayak.

Hello,

As you can see by my post count i'm new to this site and also going to be new to kayak fishing.  I'm 5'9 175lbs and will mostly be fishing calm lakes, and stockton delta's.  No plans to be fishing the ocean or really choppy waters.  I've been looking at OK tetra and trident, Riot escape 12, as well as some of the wilderness yaks.  I will also mostly be fishing for panfish, bass, trout and would like to have a yak that i can mount a fish finder in an easily viewable location as well as an adjustable rod holder.  For what my needs are which do you think will suit my needs?  Also, any place you know I can get a good deal on one?  My local craigslist on has a couple rec yaks, and i stopped by Adventure sports but I always like to shop around before purchasing.  Thanks for any assistance.

Derek

There are lots of good brands out there, and we invite you to come demo any fishing kayaks from our store in Lodi for free. We sell Native, Jackson, and Eddyline. All NCKA members get free demos. Local water is Lodi Lake and Mokelume River.

Wttm. An ok trident would work fine with what u need. It has a mod pod in the center that u can mount a ff on and for the rod holder's, u can just about mount it anywhere. I recommend u going out and demo some yaks. Not all kayaks track well, some are also wider than others. Most important thing, Buy what you're comfortable sitting in and the mods will come along.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

You beat me to it Dan 😉. Welcome and like Dan said plus you're not to far from his shop. Also it seems like every body been buying Jackson kayak lately( might have to see what the hype is all about hint hint) 😄

The Trident 13 is a great kayak.

Hello,

As you can see by my post count i'm new to this site and also going to be new to kayak fishing.  I'm 5'9 175lbs and will mostly be fishing calm lakes, and stockton delta's.  No plans to be fishing the ocean or really choppy waters.  I've been looking at OK tetra and trident, Riot escape 12, as well as some of the wilderness yaks.  I will also mostly be fishing for panfish, bass, trout

Derek

When the madness begin you will be fishing the ocean more than the lake, believe me.
trident is a good choice 

Wilderness systems Tarpon 140 is the only Kayak you will ever need. Freshwater,saltwater,fastwater,slowater...One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.

Be sure to paddle an X-Factor too...   

You need to find what's right for you.   

The tarpons are great boats. I'd look at the 12 for small water. If you plan on trolling or hitting the surf I'd go larger, 14' would be good. I prefer my 16. People say that is too big to handle. It turns easy and tracks awesome. All around go with the 14' is my suggestion. Best of both, tracking and handling. Plenty of deck space and easy to rig. You are welcome to try my 16' if you like.
OK's are good boats too. The 13' is a good all around vessel also, as Ravensblack says. I'm a little more comfy in the Tarpon though. Jackson's are nice too. A little bigger and heavier than the other two though. Before you buy try them all. That is the best advice.

Before you buy try them all. That is the best advice.

The best advice around right there.

Try em all.  But the Jackson kayaks are insanely awesome,...be sure to check out the Cuda 12.  Dan (paddleboy84) over at Headwaters in Lodi can show you whats up!

Wow, didnt expect so many responses so fast. Thanks.  Looks like i'll be checking out Headwaters when the weather gets better.

  Blah blah blah,,,     

     Santa Cruz Raptor      THIS is the kayak you need / want.    The most stable kayak on the water. 
 Available soon with  upright swivel seating.   and it's made  locally, right here in N. California !

   Adventure Sports  (in Oakley) has one on the water for you to demo and compare.    Carts are available now too.
  www.santacruzkayaks.com

   Thanks, Jim

Wow,
I didn't know we had so many "Car Salesmen" on this site!!!

Truth is we all want you to paddle/peddle what we paddle/peddle, but you should really test ALL the above mentioned yaks before you make your final decision. ALL of the above have their advantages and drawbacks. ALL the people mentioned above are reputable and will give you a fair deal and treat you right. But ONLY YOU will know what YOU prefer and what will work best for YOU. 
I am associated with Ocean Kayak and personally prefer Ocean Kayaks, but that doesn't mean it is for everybody..... Remember, YOU are the one that has to live with your final decision and hopefully spend many hours in it .... Take your time and do it right.

Good Luck,
Eric / Yakhopper

Wow,
I didn't know we had so many "Car Salesmen" on this site!!!

Truth is we all want you to paddle/peddle what we paddle/peddle, but you should really test ALL the above mentioned yaks before you make your final decision. ALL of the above have their advantages and drawbacks. ALL the people mentioned above are reputable and will give you a fair deal and treat you right. But ONLY YOU will know what YOU prefer and what will work best for YOU. 
I am associated with Ocean Kayak and personally prefer Ocean Kayaks, but that doesn't mean it is for everybody..... Remember, YOU are the one that has to live with your final decision and hopefully spend many hours in it .... Take your time and do it right.

Good Luck,
Eric / Yakhopper

I am a vacuum cleaner salesman, get it right.

I agree with Eric's post here.